Donald V. O'Brien

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Deacon Donald V. O'Brien was born in 1934 in Northampton, Mass. to Earl and Josephine O'Brien. Don was predeceased by his three brothers David, John and Richard and survived by his sister Joyce. All five siblings lived to the age of 80.

Don graduated from St. Michael's High School and worked for his father Earl at his business O'Brien Tires.

The four brothers all served in the military. Don served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Food Management.

He married Marigold Hamlet of Holyoke and they had four children Anthony, Josephine, Matthew, and John. They moved to Brockton when he was hired by the Howard Johnson Co. to be a plant manager for their New England restaurant food distribution plant there.

In 1965, tragedy struck and Marigold and John passed away due to a fire at their home.

A few years later, the widower with three children married a widow Lorraine (Simtick) Sabina of Brockton, also with three young children Edward, Laurianne, and Mark. Don and Lorraine then had their love child, Donald II.

They were active in their schools and community including at Our Lady of Ostrobrama (St. Mary's) Polish Church and St. Edward Church (now named St. Edith Stein Church).

Don developed a lifelong love for the game of golf through his brother-in-law PGA pro Gerald Mackedon and caddied for Gerry in several tournaments that he won.

Don was a member of D.W. Field Golf Course and the Brockton Country Club.

Don's love for faith and the Church resulted in his election to the Parish Council of St. Edward Church where he led or supported programs helping the community for three decades.

In the 1970s, he attended years of rigorous classes to become a Deacon in the Catholic Church and the first at St. Edward Parish. Most notably, Don and Lorraine led a Pre-Cana program for couples preparing for marriage to have a closer relationship with God.

Due to his great passion for food production quality and safety. his career advanced as he was sought-after by companies for top sales and executive positions with Brilliant Seafood, Hidden Valley Ranch, and "Love and Quiches."

In the late 1990s, Don and Lorraine moved to Falmouth and built their retirement home. Sadly, Lorraine developed pancreatic cancer. Don took a long leave of absence from his career to personally take care of her and extend her life until she passed away.

Throughout, he demonstrated the full measure of a truly loving husband and man.

A few years later, the again-widower with seven children married a widow Andrea de Mars of Falmouth also with seven adult children. They were active in the community including at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Falmouth and St. Cecilia Church in Boston.

Don cared for the elderly and housebound as a volunteer driver for Meals-on-Wheels.

He also represented his beloved Marine Corps at events for veterans and as an interviewer of veterans for the Veterans History Project preserving their stories for future generations.

Always the family leader and chef for holidays, annual highlights included huge meals he made for 30 family members even in his final year at age 89 with health challenges.

In his last months, he developed medical conditions that led to his passing.

His family is grateful to medical professionals who cared for him like he was their family.

He leaves his wife Andrea, sister Joyce, many cousins, 14 children, 31 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren with the next one due in June.

His legacy includes passion for faith, family, fun, work, service, and leadership.

He wants us to be happy that he had a long and joyful life, he is now in Paradise with God and those who have gone before, he continues to serve as another of our guardian angels, and he looks forward to when we meet again. He would say "take care of each other."

Visitation Friday May 24 9am St Elizabeth Seton Church in Falmouth, funeral Mass 10am, burial Bourne National Cemetery.